A man wanted in Georgia knocked on Johnson’s door, carrying what she describes as a “three foot long stick.” It was the first time Johnson would come face-to-face with the 26-year-old man who had burglarized her home two days before–he had stolen a shotgun, medication and a cell phone.

Johnson wasn’t scared, however. “I was prepared to take care of myself,” she said in an interview with WRCB.

“I just pulled my gun out of my pocket and said I’m calling the sheriff’s office,” Johnson said. “They’re going to come pick you up. I’m not going to let this happen to an old, retired lady who lives alone.”

The sheriff that responded to the scene was grateful she was OK–he had taught a gun safety course at Johnson’s church a few weeks earlier. Whether it’s an intruder or a natural disaster, the sheriff believes all citizens should be prepared.

Johnson agrees.

“Especially if you are a widow and live alone, you need to be taught to shoot and have something in your house to protect yourself,” she explained.